BEDFORD — Timothy Brian Helton of Camby remains in custody as he prepares to face a jury trial beginning Friday for the fatal shooting of Bedford resident Johnnie Grubb IV. The May incident left Grubb dead and another man critically injured.
Jury selection will commence Friday in Lawrence County Superior Court II with Judge Robert Cline presiding. Opening statements are scheduled for Monday, March 3.
The Shooting Incident
On Saturday, May 18, 2024, at approximately 10:35 a.m., Lawrence County Central Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 500 block of Sunny Acres Lane, southeast of Bedford. Responding deputies discovered two shooting victims at the scene.
Johnnie Grubb IV, 44, was found inside the residence, while Jeffery Crane, 49, of Mitchell, was in the garage. Both men were transported to IU Health Bedford Hospital, where Grubb was pronounced dead.
Crane, suffering from gunshot wounds to his chest and leg, was airlifted to the University of Louisville Hospital for emergency surgery.
Investigation and Arrest
Investigators determined that surveillance video had captured the shooting, providing crucial evidence. According to statements from Grubb’s fiancée, she was inside the home with her two children when gunshots rang out. She reported that Grubb stumbled into the house, informing her that Crane had also been shot.
Authorities tracked Helton through his girlfriend’s vehicle and by pinging his cell phone in the Unionville area of Monroe County. Law enforcement officers, including Indiana State Police, eventually stopped the vehicle on the State Road 45/46 bypass near Fee Lane and detained Helton.
A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Ruger P95 9mm handgun under the passenger seat, which investigators later connected to the shooting.
Helton’s Account
When questioned, Helton initially denied knowing Grubb or Crane and claimed he wasn’t at the scene. After being confronted with surveillance footage evidence, he changed his story.
Helton eventually admitted to visiting Grubb’s property to “get high” and confirmed he was carrying methamphetamine. According to his statement, when Grubb commented on Helton’s firearm, Helton felt threatened and drew his weapon. He claimed he couldn’t recall how many shots he fired but insisted he wasn’t explicitly targeting Grubb, stating, “It ain’t like I shot him on purpose, well, I shot on purpose.”
Helton acknowledged being under the influence of methamphetamine during the incident. After the shooting, he fled with 29-year-old Christopher Cecil, who was later arrested in Greene County on a felony probation warrant and charged with methamphetamine possession.
Charges Against Helton
Helton faces numerous charges, including murder, attempted murder, criminal recklessness, pointing a loaded firearm, and carrying a firearm without a license due to a prior felony conviction within the past 15 years.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent unless convicted through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
